New Employee Success Program
The Mt. San Antonio College New Employee Success Program (NESP) contributes to the
overall success and vibrancy of Mt. San Antonio College. It cultivates an inclusive,
supportive, and empowering environment where probationary employees can bring their
skills, talent, and expertise, contribute to the overall mission of the institution,
and thrive as excellent, empowered, colleagues focused on serving the community. NESP
fosters a mentorship culture that epitomizes the principles of excellence, service
for the common good, diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, anti-racism, and
accessibility.
What is NESP?
NESP is a mentor program for probationary employees that provides clear, comprehensive
guidance, enabling probationary Mt. SAC employees to succeed and excel in their respective
careers. It establishes a community that features professional growth and development,
alleviates stressors associated with entering a new organization, enhances job performance,
and improves workforce retention rates equipping probationary Mt. SAC employees with
the requisite tools to attain their professional aspirations and advance in their
careers.
How does NESP apply in the workplace?
NESP provides inclusive spaces for open dialogue on critical issues ensuring employees
are respected, valued, and supported. Through a coaching approach, NESP fosters a
lasting sense of belonging and community within our institution.
The New Employee Success Program at Mt. SAC envisions a future where every employee
feels confident, motivated, and seamlessly integrated into our academic community.
Our aim is to support probationary employees in navigating the intricacies of their
roles, thereby contributing to a vibrant, inclusive, and successful institution. Through
this program, we are steadfast in our commitment to retaining and nurturing our talented
workforce, ensuring that all employees can remain and thrive at Mt. SAC.
NESP Managers
NESP Outcomes
The New Employee Success Program at Mt. SAC will produce the following outcomes:
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- Enhanced Career Development
New employees will receive comprehensive mentoring, guidance and resources, empowering
them to achieve their professional goals and excel in their careers. Participants
will experience accelerated professional growth through structured mentorship, hands-on
learning experiences, and targeted skill-building opportunities.
- Improved Retention
Increase workforce retention and decreased position turnover will be a product of
increased confidence, motivation, community, job satisfaction, and decreased stress.
- Improved Job Performance
Improved job performance will result from the support and guidance of experienced
mentors, coaching, and constructive feedback.
- Culture of Support and Inclusion
NESP will promote a mentorship culture grounded in the values of the institution,
ensuring new employees are respected, valued and supported.
-
Effective Integration
Probationary employees will experience a smoother transition into the institution,
feeling integrated and connected to the academic community. NESP will facilitate meaningful
relationships between mentors and mentees, fostering a supportive network that extends
beyond the initial onboarding period.
NESP Mentors
Program Overview
Explore the key details of the NESP Program below.
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- Mentee's Program Duration
- Faculty: During probationary period but not to exceed two (2) years
- Management: In alignment with first contract year
- Classified and Confidential: In alignment with their probationary periods
- Selection Process
Probationary employees will automatically be selected with the option to opt out.
Classified staff will be matched with a Classified mentor, Confidential staff with
a Confidential mentor, Faculty with a Faculty mentor, and Managers with a Management
mentor.
Human Resources, in conjunction with the program consultant, will determine mentor/mentee
matches based on measurable criteria such as interests, needs, skills, position type,
strengths and weaknesses.
Interviews will be conducted to assist in the selection of mentors. Mentors will be
personally contacted for their interview prior to final selections.
- Interest Form
Please see below for your Qooper signup links:
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NESP Info Hub
Below you will see important information about our NESP Program. Stay up to date with
the latest information.
Using Qooper for Mentorship 
Qooper is a mentoring platform that connects mentors and mentees for career growth,
skill development, and networking. It provides tools to track progress, schedule meetings,
and access mentorship resources.
Please see below for your Qooper signup links:
Role of the Mentor
- Meet with your assigned mentee(s) regularly to provide professional support.
- Review probationary evaluations and help draft questions/responses for meetings.
- Assist the mentee with clarifying evaluation expectations and ensuring tangible and
measurable goals.
- Provide feedback after each meeting with the assigned mentee for program improvement.
Role of the Mentee
- Meet with your assigned mentor regularly for professional support.
- Review evaluations and clarify expectations with your mentor.
- Provide feedback after each meeting for program improvement.
Role of Mentors’ and Mentees’ Managers
- Encourage participation without hindrance.
- Learn which of their own staff are mentors/mentees and provide support.
- Provide feedback to improve the NESP program as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
- Classified and Confidential Staff Mentors and Mentees
- What is the duration of the program?
The duration of Classified and Confidential mentors' participation is dependent upon
their assigned mentees. Classified and Confidential staff participate in the program
in alignment with their probationary periods.
- Will I receive training on how to be an effective mentor?
All individuals selected as mentors will receive training to ensure effective mentoring.
- How will participation in NESP benefit my career?
NESP provides opportunities for leadership, mentorship experience, and professional
growth. It fosters connections within the workplace and aligns with DEI efforts.
- Is the NESP mentor role considered working outside of my classification?
No. Your participation as a mentor fulfills support of DEI as reflected on your job
description.
- Do I get release time to be a mentor?
Release time is not applicable, but communication with your manager regarding your
commitment is required.
- What is the time commitment for mentors and mentees in this program?
Mentors will be expected to meet with their mentees at least 30 minutes per week during
the first month of the mentorship and at least 30 minutes twice per month thereafter,
not to exceed one hour for any meeting. In addition, mentors will be expected to attend
a training session upon enrollment in the program. There may be other required meetings
for mentors. Mentors and mentees are expected to communicate with their immediate
managers in advance regarding their need to attend NESP meetings and activities.
- What if the mentor/mentee match isn’t working?
The NESP seeks to ensure effective matches based on selection criteria and feedback.
If the mentor/mentee match is not successful, we encourage communication of this information
with the program administrators via the Qooper mentor platform so that the matter
can be discussed and addressed.
- Management Mentors and Mentees
- What is the duration of the program?
The duration of management mentors' participation is dependent upon their assigned
mentees. Manager mentees' participation is in alignment with their first contract
year.
- Will I receive training on how to be an effective mentor?
All individuals selected as mentors will receive training to ensure effective mentoring.
- How will participation in NESP benefit my career?
NESP provides opportunities for leadership, mentorship experience, and professional
growth. It fosters connections within the workplace and aligns with DEI efforts.
- What if the mentor/mentee match isn’t working?
The NESP seeks to ensure effective matches based on selection criteria and feedback.
If the mentor/mentee match is not successful, we encourage communication of this information
with the program administrators via the Qooper mentor platform so that the matter
can be discussed and addressed.
- What is the time commitment for mentors and mentees in this program?
Mentors will be expected to meet with their mentees at least 30 minutes per week during
the first month of the mentorship and at least 30 minutes twice per month thereafter,
not to exceed one hour for any meeting. In addition, mentors will be expected to attend
a training session upon enrollment in the program. There may be other required meetings
for mentors. Mentors and mentees are expected to communicate with their immediate
managers in advance regarding their need to attend NESP meetings and activities.
- Faculty Mentors and Mentees
- What is the duration of the program?
Faculty mentees participate during their probationary period, up to two years.
- Will I receive training on how to be an effective mentor?
All individuals selected as mentors will receive training to ensure effective mentoring.
- How will participation in NESP benefit my career?
NESP provides opportunities for leadership, mentorship experience, and professional
growth. It fosters connections within the academic community and aligns with DEI efforts.
- Will I receive release time to serve as a mentor, if selected?
Faculty members do not receive release time, and therefore, release time is not applicable.
- What if the mentor/mentee match isn’t working?
The NESP seeks to ensure effective matches based on selection criteria and feedback.
If the mentor/mentee match is not successful, we encourage communication of this information
with the program administrators via the Qooper mentor platform so that the matter
can be discussed and addressed.
- What is the time commitment for mentors and mentees in this program?
Mentors will be expected to meet with their mentees at least 30 minutes per week during
the first month of the mentorship and at least 30 minutes twice per month thereafter,
not to exceed one hour for any meeting. In addition, mentors will be expected to attend
a training session upon enrollment in the program. There may be other required meetings
for mentors. Mentors and mentees are expected to communicate with their immediate
managers in advance regarding their need to attend NESP meetings and activities.
- Can Adjunct faculty participate?
Not at this time. The grant funding for this project specified probationary employees.
For faculty, this means tenure track.
- Managers with Employees Participating in NESP
Questions?
For more information, please contact us at nesp@mtsac.edu.
